Alkaline Meadow

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List model

Ecosystem states

State 1

Current Potential State

State 2

Moderate groundwater declines

State 3

Severe groundwater declines

10674

Circle-spoke model

Ecosystem states

State 1

State 2

State 3

10674

Scenario model

Ecosystem states

Current ecosystem state

Select a state

State 1
Current Potential State
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State 2
Moderate groundwater declines
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State 3
Severe groundwater declines
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Management practices/drivers

Select a transition or restoration pathway

Transition 1
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Transition 2
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Restoration pathway R1
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Restoration pathway R2
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described

Target ecosystem state

Select a state

State 1
Current Potential State
More details
State 2
Moderate groundwater declines
More details
State 3
Severe groundwater declines
More details

10674

State 1
Current Potential State

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Community Phase 1.1

Sand accumulation hummocks, phase 1.1

Community Phase 1.3

Community Phase 1.4

Description

The current potential state exists with a shallow water table that remains within less than one meter of the soil surface, and regular intermittent ponding that dilutes soil surface salinity. Saltgrass monocultures dominate this state, with production and cover varying with ponding, DTW, and soil surface salinity. Invasive species are negligible in this site due to the harsh conditions present.

Submodel

1.1. High cover saltgrass meadow

1.2. Salt accumulation, low cover saltgrass

1.3. Barren salt crust

1.4. Recent ponding, low cover saltgrass

State 2
Moderate groundwater declines

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Description

This state is dominated by a barren playa surface with heavy salt accumulations. Unvegetated playa surfaces are more prone to wind erosion, and the resulting dust is a major source of air pollution (e.g. Gill 1996, Lancaster and Baas 1998, Pelletier 2006, Reynolds et al. 2007, Groeneveld and Barz 2013).

Submodel

2.1. Barren salt crust

State 3
Severe groundwater declines

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Description

This state is provisional, and is based on evidence from other playa systems. Declines in groundwater below the capillary zone decreases soil surface salinity, allowing colonization by less salt-tolerant deeper-rooted shrubs such as alkalki goldenbush, cattle saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), and honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). Further declines in the water table will lead to colonization by upland species such as creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa), and big galleta (Pleuraphis rigida).

Submodel

3.1. Shrub colonization (Provisional)

Transition 1

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Mechanism

This transition occurs with persistent moderate declines in groundwater, where capillary action still draws water to the soil surface, but shallow surface horizons are dry relative to State 1, causing increased salt concentrations on the surface. Generally groundwater depth below 3 meters does not contribute to salt concentrations on the soil surface (Waisel 1972), although this may vary with horizon textures.

Transition 2

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Mechanism

This transition occurs with persistent severe declines in groundwater, where capillary action no longer draws salt to the soil surface (approximately more than 3 meters below the soil surface).

Restoration pathway R1

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Mechanism

Groundwater is recharged either through reduction in use, following above average precipitation years or both.

Restoration pathway R2

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Mechanism

Groundwater is recharged either through reduction in use, following above average precipitation years or both.

Model keys

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Alkaline Meadow

List model

Circle-spoke model

Scenario model

Current ecosystem state

Management practices/drivers

Target ecosystem state

State 1
Current Potential State

Description

Submodel

State 2
Moderate groundwater declines

Description

Submodel

State 3
Severe groundwater declines

Description

Submodel

Transition 1

Mechanism

Transition 2

Mechanism

Restoration pathway R1

Mechanism

Restoration pathway R2

Mechanism

Model keys

Briefcase

Ecological sites

Major Land Resource Areas